Ballon d’Or 2025: Erling Haaland Lone Nominee from Manchester City Amid Declining Representation

Manchester City have received just a single nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, as Erling Haaland represents the club in the running for the Men’s Ballon d’Or prize.

Following a difficult 2024/25 campaign, which saw the club fall short of silverware and settle for a top-four Premier League finish, City’s presence across the Ballon d’Or categories has declined sharply.

Unlike last year, where Rodri won the main prize and the club received multiple nominations, this year sees:

• No nominations for the Kopa Trophy (best U21 player)
• No Yachine Trophy entries (best goalkeeper)
• No spot for Pep Guardiola in the Coach of the Year nominations
• City excluded from the Club of the Year list

Erling Haaland – A Lone Beacon

Despite battling through injuries and a rotating squad, Haaland’s consistency prevailed, netting 34 goals in all competitions. This marks his fifth consecutive Ballon d’Or nomination since joining City.

What It Reflects

The drop in recognition underscores a broader transition period at the club. While key players like De Bruyne and Rodri struggled with form or fitness, City have also begun integrating new signings like Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders.

Outlook for 2026

Emerging talent such as Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, and Claudio Echeverri may lead a future resurgence in award recognition, particularly for the Kopa Trophy. But for now, City’s golden era at the Ballon d’Or has hit pause.